Organiser of Sunderland International Airshow are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's event when 200 children were reported missing by their parents.

Organiser of Sunderland International Airshow are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's event when 200 children were reported missing by their parents.

Official airshow wristbands will be offered this weekend to families who want to keep a check on children who wander off.

Worn on a child's wrist, they include a space for parents to fill in their names and mobile telephone numbers and if a child becomes separated, the details on the wristband will ensure they are reunited quickly and easily.

John Conroy, chairman of Network Ticketing, said today: "Child safety is an issue that is important and we were very keen to support the wristband scheme.

"It is every parent's worst nightmare to turn around and realise their child isn't there and if this unfortunate situation does occur the wristbands will enable parents and children to be reunited quickly."

Wristbands can be picked up from Sunderland Tourist Information Centre on Fawcett Street and from official information points, car parks, park and ride sites and outlets on the seafront during the airshow weekend.

Supt Paul Weir, of Northumbria Police, said: "At last year's show there were more than 200 cases of lost children and the wristbands scheme is an excellent idea aimed at reducing this problem.

"With huge crowds expected in the city for the event, I would encourage all parents to pick up the wristbands and ensure their child is wearing them."

Organisers have issued safety precautions for bringing children to the event:

NOn arrival please point out a meeting place around the area, should you and your children become separated.

NTell your children that if they cannot find the meeting place to tell a police officer, a steward or someone who has a child with them.

The show, the biggest free event of its kind in Europe, takes place at the resorts of Roker and Seaburn from 10am to 6pm tomorrow and Sunday. The flying programme will be from 1pm to 5pm tomorrow and 11.45am until 4pm on Sunday.

Details from the airshow hotline on (0191) 5532006 or at www.sunderland-airshow.co.uk